The 2023 Washington Commanders season marked a massive transitional crossroads for the franchise. Entering the year under new ownership led by Josh Harris, head coach Ron Rivera and his staff faced a high-stakes campaign with their jobs on the line. Armed with a roster featuring second-year quarterback Sam Howell and high-profile coordinator additions, the team attempted to navigate a brutal NFC East landscape. Ultimately, a 4-13 record triggered major front-office and coaching changes, transforming what was billed as a final stabilizing year into a complete organizational reset.
Analyzing this pivotal campaign requires looking past simple win-loss columns. The 2023 roster was shaped by strategic mid-season trades, a wave of defensive injuries, and high expectations that collided with execution issues. From the bold gamble at quarterback to massive shakeups at the trade deadline, this deep dive unpacks how the Commanders' roster constructed, compromised, and concluded its era under Rivera.
The Offseason Blueprint: Building the 2023 Roster
The Commanders entered 2023 with distinct goals: establish stability on the offensive line, transition to a young signal-caller, and inject fresh talent via the NFL Draft.
The Quarterback Gamble with Sam Howell
Instead of chasing expensive veteran quarterbacks or high draft assets, Washington handed the starting keys to Sam Howell, a 2022 fifth-round pick. To support him, the front office brought in veteran Jacoby Brissett as a steady backup and mentor. Howell's season proved statistically volatile. He led the league in passing attempts for much of the year due to frequent game scripts requiring catch-up mode, throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns. However, a high interception count and mounting sacks exposed severe pass-protection breakdowns and growing pains.
Key Draft Additions and Departures
The 2023 NFL Draft injected young blood into both sides of the ball, though immediate impacts varied:
- Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Round 1): Drafted 16th overall out of Mississippi State, Forbes faced intense trial-by-fire matchups against elite NFC receivers, experiencing struggles early on that led to fluctuating playing time.
- Quan (Jartavius) Martin (DB, Round 2): Developed flexibility across the secondary as the season progressed.
- Ricky Stromberg (C, Round 3) and Braeden Daniels (OT, Round 4): Intended to reinforce the trenches, though injuries severely limited their rookie contributions.
Notable departures included quarterback Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz, signaling a definitive clean break from past offensive iterations.
The Trade Deadline Exodus: Selling Off the Core
As the Commanders stumbled to a 3-5 start, it became clear that the roster required a long-term view rather than quick fixes. General manager Martin Mayhew and the front office executed two blockbuster trades ahead of the deadline, effectively signaling a white flag on the season while accumulating future draft capital.
Trading Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers
The most seismic roster shift occurred when Washington traded former second-overall pick Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a compensatory third-round draft pick. Despite flashes of dominant pass-rushing ability, Young struggled with persistent health issues and inconsistent production following his major knee injury in 2021. Moving on cleared the path for younger edge rushers to step into heavier snaps while recouping premium draft value.
Trading Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears
Shortly after dealing Young, the Commanders sent star edge rusher Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick. Sweat was playing the final year of his contract and was on track for a career-best defensive season. Rather than risking losing him in free agency without adequate compensation, Washington capitalized on a soaring market value.
These trades stripped the defense of its marquee pass-rushing identity, leaving a massive void up front that drastically affected the unit's performance down the stretch.
Defensive Collapse and the Injury Bug
The statistical profile of the 2023 Washington defense tells a story of attrition and scheme mismatch. Finishing last in the NFL in points allowed per game (30.5), the unit suffered from both the departure of its top pass rushers and a crippling wave of injuries.
Key contributors missed extended stretches or entire blocks of the season:
- Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne faced constant double teams behind a depleted defensive front.
- Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest missed crucial weeks in the secondary, forcing deep reserves into starting roles.
- Linebacker depth was tested weekly, exposing vulnerabilities in coverage across the middle of the field.
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's scheme failed to adjust to the personnel limitations, resulting in blown coverages and historic yardage allowances that ultimately led to mid-season coaching adjustments.
The Final Season Under Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera’s tenure in Washington always carried the shadow of a transitional era. Hired to steady a franchise plagued by off-field turbulence, Rivera earned immense respect as a leader of men. However, his on-field product stalled. The 2023 campaign marked his fourth consecutive year without a winning record in D.C.
The arrival of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy brought heavy anticipation. Bieniemy installed an aggressive, West Coast-derived scheme that emphasized high passing volume. While individual playmakers like wide receiver Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson produced moments of brilliance, the offense was hamme-red by execution errors, league-leading sack totals, and a lack of a consistent running game.
When the regular season concluded at 4-13, newly minted managing partner Josh Harris acted swiftly. On January 8, 2024, the franchise officially parted ways with Rivera, closing the book on an era defined by resilience off the field but stagnation on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Washington Commanders trade Chase Young and Montez Sweat?
Both players were in contract years, and the front office recognized the team was not contending in 2023. Trading them yielded high draft picks (including a second and third rounder) rather than letting them walk away in free agency for minimal compensation.
How did Sam Howell perform as the starting quarterback in 2023?
Howell showed immense toughness and flashed high-end passing ability, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards. However, he also led the league in sacks taken and interceptions, reflecting a high-volume passing offense that struggled with pass protection and consistency.
Who replaced Ron Rivera after the 2023 season?
Following the conclusion of the 2023 season and Rivera's dismissal, the franchise hired former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their next head coach to lead the subsequent rebuild.
What draft picks did Washington hold entering the subsequent offseason?
Because of the mid-season trades and their 4-13 record, the Commanders secured substantial draft capital, including the No. 2 overall pick and multiple high selections in the top rounds to overhaul the roster.
